A preliminary study on bacteriospermia in males of subfertile couples

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bacteriospermia is common in subfertile men. Responsible organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns vary between populations Aim of this study was to identify the types of bacteria and their ABST pattern among males of subfertile couples. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out. Semen samples of 105 males from subfertile couples were cultured in blood, chocolate and McConkey agar. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were done using the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute technique. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population was 32.77 yrs (rage 22-48 yrs), mean duration of subfertility was 3 yrs (Range 1-12 yrs). In 98 couples there was primary subfertility. Bacterial growth was noted in 63 samples. Positive cultures were found in 58.2% with primary subfertility and in 85.7% with secondary subfertility. A single organism was cultured in 44. Mltiple organisms were cultured in 19 samples. In 21 samples a significant growth of >104 of colony forming units were noted. Organisms found were Streptococci (n=28 out of them 8 were group D), coagulase negative Staphylococci (n=27), Diptheroids (n=T2), coliforms (n=7 of which 3 were Escherichia colt), Staphyhcoccus aureus (n^5), Acinetobacter (n=2), and Candida albicans (n=l). A single antibiotic or a combination which covers most organisms was not found. CONCLUSIONS: In this study population 20% had a significant bacterial growth. Organisms were found to have varied ABST patterns. The effect of bacteriospermia on subfertility needs further evaluation. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by National Research Council (09-69).